Strange Doctrines?

BY: JOHN LEWIS

This is a term widely used in Christendom in a negative way to describe a teaching which the listener may not have heard or refuses to comprehend. However, it is taken from a passage of scripture where it was used in a positive sense by pagans that really wanted more truth.

Acts 17:17-20“So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace, day by day, with those who happened to be there. A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.” (NIV)

Here is a classic case where several types of the major religions of the world at that time was addressed. The spirit and doctrines of these religions exist today but they are called by different names. Each had their own limited belief system that kept them from seeing God as He really is. The message that Paul and the others preached was not a new message, it had been prophesied by all the prophets. The prophets spoke of the Coming, Death, Burial, and Resurrection of the Messiah. However, the revelation of this sounded strange to the religious minds.

The Jews can represent much of Christianity of today, since Christianity is a product of Judaism. They were more interested in their traditions, rituals, and external religious practices, they felt that they were the only ones with Truth and nothing could be added to them. They rejected Rabbi Paul’s revelation of the Christ and many were destroyed, because it was strange doctrines to them. History does not repeat itself, rather people repeat history. This is the mentality of much of Christianity. having eyes, they refuse to see.

The God fearing Greeks can represent many of the Intellectual types that believe there is a God, but are not open to more Truth. They would not be classified as Christians according to the 21st century definition of Christians. Plus, they don’t fit in the controlling environment of most denominations.

The Epicureans and Stoics represent much of the Eastern Religions and New Agers of today. In their quest to find truth, they had given up on the idea of a personal God. They chose to enjoy all the pleasures of life and to depend only on themselves. They called Paul’s teaching strange because it was different from what the present religions had to offer.

If you would take a closer look at this passage of scripture, we will discover something most fascinating, and how it’s applicable to our society. It was not the Jew (Christian) that wanted to hear more of this strange doctrine of Present Truth, they were too busy criticizing and judging. It wasn’t the God fearing Greeks (Intellectuals) that asked for MORE, they were too busy analyzing and trying to figure out if this strange doctrine was politically and theologically correct. However, it was the Epicureans and Stoics that wanted the Present Truth, according to Christianity these would be considered wicked deceived heathens. The Epicureans and Stoics exercised more wisdom than the Church (Jews/Christians); instead of rejecting this strange doctrine, they asked questions. Because of their openness and hunger for Truth, they were enlightened and changed.

Acts 17:32-34Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, “We shall hear you again concerning this.” So Paul went out of their midst. But some men joined him and believed. (NAS)

Matt 21:31-32Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not change your mind and believe him. (NIV)

So it is today, people are repeating history. There is nothing new under the sun. Those who are rejected, condemned, and criticized by the religious system of man are the ones which are hungry for Truth. They will not be contained by the 4 walls of religious prison camps called Churches.

STRANGE TEACHINGS

As you read through the pages of this website you will find only a small amount of Elementary Teachings about Christ and Foundational Teachings, our desire is to advance the knowledge of Christ within Believers, non believers and make believers. Apostle Paul rebuked the Believers of his day for remaining in Kindergarten and Elementary School, spiritually speaking. How many times does a normal thinking person have to hear 1+1=2? Yet, in much of Christianity the leaders have dulled the hearing of their people to such a point that Believers wrestle with the very basic truth. Paul said stop laying the foundation over and over again, STARTBUILDING.

The Foundational teachings are Repentance, Baptism, Gifts of the Spirit and Resurrection. Today anything beyond the Elementary Teachings about Christ or a demonstration, are considered a strange doctrine, which send people into religious demonic manifestations of anger, rage and fear. Paul told the people they had been Christians so long they should have been skilled teachers of the word, but they were so dull of hearing (slow, RETARDED) that they needed someone to teach them elementary things again.

Heb 5:11-6:2 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. CHAPTER 6 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead. (NIV)

So why is it that most of the Church is still in Infancy, crying for the milk, gossiping, leaving a stench everywhere and living under condemnation? Most are under the impression that receiving Christ means to become Stupid, none thinking, self righteous, arrogant, and a clone of some man or organization. Could this be a reason why much of the world is turned off by what is presented as Christianity? Much of what is presented today is RELIGIOUS GARBAGE!! The letter kills, the Spirit makes alive. It was Religion that crucified Jesus, and Religion crucifies the Present Truth today.

You are given permission to THINK without being told what to think as you read through the pages of this website. Below are a few topic that are considered strange doctrines:

1) SHOULD WE EXPECT JESUS TO RETURN ANY MINUTE OR AT A SPECIFIC TIME? He cannot return Any Moment. Acts 3:21 says the heavens must retain Him until the restitution of All things. Do all things appear to be restored in the immediate future?

2) DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT A LITERAL RAPTURE? NO!! CAN YOU PROVE THIS WITH THE BIBLE AND HISTORY WHERE THE TEACHING CAME FROM? YES!!

3) WAS SATAN A BEAUTIFUL ANGEL BEFORE HE BECAME A DEVIL? NO!! He has always been a devil.

4) WHY IS THIS TAUGHT IN CHURCHES AND WHY WOULD GOD CREATE A DEVIL? It is a traditional teaching not founded on truth. God chooses to teach us through the law us opposites, good and evil. One cannot really appreciate light unless they have experienced darkness.

{For a detail study click here “The Origin of Satan”}

DOES THE BIBLE SPEAK ABOUT THE STARS AND WHAT IS CALLED ASTROLOGY? YES! IF GOD CREATED THIS SCIENCE, WHY DOES HE CONDEMN IT? The Bible does not condemn it, it condemns the worship of stars; it is unlearned fearful religious people that condemn it. “The heavens declare (prophesy) the glory of God, the firmament shows forth his handiworks (operations), day unto day and night unto night utters the language of God.” Psalms 19“He numbers the stars and calls them by their names.”Psalms 147